After missing two First Friday Artwalks for an upgrade to its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, the Mulvane Art Museum returns with four new exhibits in its galleries.
On the monthly self-guided tour of Topeka’s art spots coordinated by ARTSConnect Topeka, those who include the Mulvane as a stop can see the exhibits at a reception from 5 to 8 p.m., which are the hours for most First Friday Artwalk stops.
At 5:30 p.m., the abstract artists who created the works in the Mulvane’s featured exhibit, “Parallel Views: Works by Miguel Angel Giovanetti and Fernando Pezzino,” will discuss their art in the first-floor galleries.
Giovanetti, a Buenos Aires, Argentina, artist will display works from his “Open Shapes” and “Ovals” series.
The “Open Shapes” pieces are geometric interpretations of a vest as homage to the futurist vests that were designed by the artist Fortunato Depero in the 1920s. Because of the strong colors that contrasted with the gray of the suits worn at the time, they were very imposing.
The oval is an ideal reference to the vest and the straight lines he includes complete the composition. Along with the “Open Shapes” series, Giovanetti is working in parallel with his “Ovals” series where he eliminates all the figurative references and uses a great number of ovals that are superimpose and integrated with each other.
Pezzino, an instructor in Washburn’s modern languages department since 2008, will display works from his “Cultural Fragments Series” which is based on the concept of communication.
The Argentina-born Pezzino work uses a figurative element as a platform to arrive at a geometric abstraction. Fragments of different cultures provide clues and it is up to the viewer to interpret the cultural hints.
“Parallel Views” will be on display through March 18. On exhibit through April 15 are:
• “Industrial Nature: Works by Michelle Stitzlein,” a Baltimore artist who creates sculptures out of recycle objects including slide carousels, headlamps and piano keys. Stitzlein will be at the Mulvane from March 7-10 to create from bottle caps a mural for the museum’s ArtLab and participate in its Family Day on March 10 when she will help patrons create art magnets from bottle caps.
• “Ichi-Mai Ori: Works by Robert J. Lang,” an Alamo, Calif., creator of origami sculptures.
• “Twist and Turn: Art Work by Participants in the Museum’s Twist & Turn Project,” in which area schoolchildren created works inspired by “Topiary with a Twist,” the large nest-like instillation art work in front of the museum created by Patrick Dougherty from sticks and limbs of trees.
The ArtLab also will be open for visitors.
Here are more First Friday Artwalk stops:
WESTBORO/MIDTOWN
Alice C. Sabatini Gallery, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th: “The Waiting Room: Lost and Found,” art inspired by the experience of time spent in waiting rooms. Learn more about the Waiting Room Project at thewaitingroomproject.org.
Artist Collection & Custom Framing, 4039 S.W. 10th, in Fleming Place: Largest collection of Flint Hills and Kansas photography in the area.
Beauchamp’s, 3113 S.W. Huntoon: “David Hartley & Brad LeDuc: Recent Works,” which will contrast the dense charcoal landscape drawings of Hartley, who teaches art at Washburn University, with the bold colorful regionalist paintings of Topeka artist Brad LeDuc.
The Collective, 3121 S.W. Huntoon: “My Women Series: 1992-2012,” in which Barbara Waterman Peters offers a retrospective of her ongoing series with at least one painting from each of the 20 years.
Flying Collective Handcrafted Brews, 1635 S.W. 17th, in College Hill: Photography by Grant Fitch.
Glass Expressions, 1250 S.W. Oakley: Fine art glass in the form of heart-shaped pendants, paperweights and ornaments, as well as other glass gifts for Valentine’s Day.
Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University, just south of S.W. 17th and Jewell entrance to campus: “Parallel Views: Works by Miguel Angel Giovanetti and Fernando Pezzino,” “Industrial Nature: Works by Michelle Stitzlein,” “Ichi-Mai Ori: Works by Robert J. Lang” and “Twist and Turn: Art Work by Participants in the Museum’s Twist & Turn Project.” The ArtLab also is open for visitors.
Soho Interiors, 3129 S.W Huntoon: Introducing the photography of Karen Whightsil, as well as new still life oil paintings by Mack Schroer, jewelry by Tabitha Todd, watercolor and oil paintings by Ron Flier, and graphite and mixed media works by Traci Osborn.
WEST & SOUTHWEST
Art Guild Gallery, 5331 S.W. 22nd Place, in Fairlawn Plaza: :”Travel: Near and Far,” a juried group show; new jewelry by Karen Taylor; and creations by student artists at Jefferson West High School.
The Hub, 5333 S.W. 22nd Place, in Fairlawn Plaza: This boutique joins the walk with a display of images by Jana Futcher of A2Z Photography.
SouthWind Gallery, 3074 S.W. 29th: “Artists to Watch in 2012,” with works by Michael James Allen, Topeka; Jim Clements, El Dorado; Jane Flanders, Lawrence; Doug Frye, Topeka; Marilyn Horsch, Lawrence; Michelle Leivan, Topeka; Cheryl Heller Olsen, Council Grove; Jeannie Pflumm, Lenxa; Richard Prather, Garland, Texas; and Deb Schroer, Strong City; with an artists’ reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
BERRYTON
Colorfields Gallery & Hot Shop, 6826 S.E. Stubbs Road: Hand-blown glass ornaments, paperweights, vases and sculptures and lamp-work jewelry by Bret Ebberts, who will go glass-blowing demonstrations, and paintings, drawings, Kansas note cards, fused glass jewelry, stacked wool felt jewelry and dried floral arrangements by Roxanne Ebberts. Open 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
DOWNTOWN
Avenue Hair Styling, 807 S. Kansas Ave.: Kansas photography.
Blue Planet Cafe, 112 S.E. 8th: Works by local artists.
Bosco’s, 435 S. Kansas Ave.: Featuring visual, performing and epicurean art.
The Break Room, 911 S. Kansas Ave: First competition of Round 2 of So U Think U R Funny?? at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is $3.
First Presbyterian Church, 817 S.W. Harrison: “Icons in Transformation,” featuring the abstract art of Russian-born Ludmila Pawlowska with traditional icons of from the Vassilevsky Monastery in Russia. Also on display at Grace Cathedral.
Grace Cathedral, 701 S.W. 8th: “Icons in Transformation,” featuring the abstract art of Russian-born Ludmila Pawlowska with traditional icons of from the Vassilevsky Monastery in Russia. Also on display at First Presbyterian Church.
H & R Block, 726 S. Kansas Ave.: Works by local artists.
Hazel Hill, 724 S. Kansas Ave.: Works by local artists, plus PT’s coffee samples.
Kansan Grill, 705 S. Kansas Ave.: Photography of famous Kansans.
The Merchant, 913 S. Kansas Ave.: Visitors can in the upstairs art workroom try their hand at pastels, watercolors and charcoals and sample Hazel Hill chocolates. Via’s pizza also will be served, and music on keyboards will be played by Rydum by Bernie.
NexLynx, 123 S.W. 6th: Kansas landscape paintings by Irene Redman, plus visitors will receive a free Midwest Bruins baseball team T-shirt.
Topeka High School, 800 S.W. 10th: “Love,” student art inspired by the theme of “love.” Use the Western Street entrance to access the third-floor gallery open from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Upstage Gallery, in the Historic Jayhawk Theatre, 720 S.W. Jackson: Barbara Solberg’s mixed media works inspired by nature and ancient culture. Also showing works by Mary Anderson, Robert Ash, Beth Cain, Randy Fay, Jim Ginavan, Linden Kirby, Angela Lexow, Barb Quaney, Pam Renovato, Celia Smith and Joe Williams. Open to 9 p.m.
Warehouse 414, 414 S.E. 2nd: “Margaret Ramberg + Phil Hershberger,” plus sculptural chairs by Jason Startup and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. an acoustic set by singer Megan Leigh before she makes her concert debut at with the band Lonesome Jake at 9 p.m. at College Hill Tavern, 1616 S.W. 17th.
NOTO ARTS DISTRICT
Artist Lofts & Rusty Haggles Antiques, 826 N. Kansas Ave.: Artists Lisa Adame, Joey Embers, Peter Gotta, Robert Hubbard and Kurtis King will great visitors in their studios, access to is up the steps from the street or through the rear of Rusty Haggles Antiques, where additional art by Shirley Akers, Melody Beacham and Joyce Knott is on display in the lower-floor wall gallery.
The Eclective: Eclectic Art Showroom & Studios, 900 N. Kansas Ave.: Monk’s Wine performing at 5:30 p.m.; works by abstract artist Shay Dodson and gourd artist Nancy Overmyer; and author Max Yoho will sign copies of his new book “Me and Aunt Izzy.”
Foole’s Dream Studio, 833 ½ N. Kansas Ave.: Demonstrations by by designer, painter and illustrator Shelly Bedsaul of her coloring process using colored pencil.
Kaw River Mercantile, 833 N. Kansas Ave.: Owner Donavene Brian Liggett will help visitors find a perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
The NOTO Community Arts Center, 922 N. Kansas Ave.: Music by the High Falutin’ String Band at 5 p.m.; announcement at 5:30 p.m. about the NOTO Saturday Market which will begin Saturdays in April; and Ballet Folklorico de Topeka dancing at 6 p.m. A mockup of the market with three tents in the cent wil feature Porubsky’s chili, vintage soda drinks, arts, crafts and antigues.
Robuck Jewelery, 845 N. Kansas Ave.: Estate and antique jewelry and designer lines of fine jewelry.
Second Chance Antiques and Collectibles, 840 N. Kansas Ave.: Antiques in all price ranges.
Serendipity, 820 N. Kansas Ave.: This new wedding reception center marks its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m.; music by Mike Babb and S’more Blues at 7 p.m.; art by Stephanie Munoz-O’Neil, Jenny Lui Designs and Staci Ogle; and dinner with drink from Johnny Carino’s for $10 for adults or $5 for children.
Southwest Traders, 830 N. Kansas Ave.: Southwestern artwork, Native American-crafted jewelry and handmade blankets, rugs, pottery and home décor purchase, including recent acquisitions.
Studio 831, 831 N. Kansas Ave.: Works by Anne Kufahl, Diane Lawrence, Angela Lexow, Pam Renovato, Hi Stockwell, Cindy Stubbs, Lois VanLiew and Barbara Waterman-Peters, and ceramics by Michael Bradley, Merl Miles and Larry Peters.
The Two-Day Monthly Market, 824 N. Kansas Ave.: In the gallery room, “Two Sisters at Two Days,” works by Louise Brock Hamilton and Marilyn Schroeder, as well as vintage pine furniture, old-fashioned valentines, a steel cabinet, winter white items, industrial items, vintage bikes and other antiques and merchandise from Coralee Evans and Lisa Cusick, co-owners of Brickhouse Antiques, 3711 S.W. Burlingame Road.
Bill Blankenship can be reached at (785) 295-1284 or . Follow him on Twitter @TCJ_AandE. Read his blog at CJOnline.com/blog/dark.